A08: Air Quality Monitoring and Awareness – Above Green

(2 points)

INTENT

Monitor indoor air quality issues as well as inform and educate individuals on the quality of the indoor environment.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires the ongoing measurement of contaminant data to educate and and empower occupants about their environmental quality.

ISSUE

Types and concentrations of indoor pollutants continuously fluctuate in any indoor or outdoor environment. For example, cooking in the home can lead to a rapid spike in indoor air pollution. Urban rush hours and waste-burning cause spikes in air pollution outdoors, which can directly impact indoor air quality. Some indoor air pollutants can be recognized by their immediate impacts on our body such as throat irritation or watery eyes. Others, which often fly under human olfactory radar, are not necessarily benign. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, some health impacts like respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer can show up years after exposure.

SOLUTIONS

Due to air quality fluctuations, it is important to install air quality sensors and detectors in every building. Because air quality can fluctuate throughout the day in every building, real-time monitoring is necessary to promptly fix any deviations in indoor quality metrics and minimize occupant exposure to pollutants. In addition to having robust and calibrated sensors, positioning them correctly plays a crucial role in accurate assessment of air quality. Furthermore, educating occupants about the risks associated with elevated air pollutant exposures, along with actions they can take to reduce these risks can encourage them to seek out opportunities to further curb indoor pollution levels on their own.

IMPACT

Air quality monitoring and education can help individuals be aware of any deviations in indoor air quality metrics and is an important first step toward better air quality.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Implement Indoor Air Monitors (1 point)

Verified by MEP, Operations Schedule, On-going Data Report, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

The following requirements are met:

Monitors measure at least three of the following within a regularly occupied or common space in the building:
- PM_2.5 or PM₁₀ (accuracy 5 μg/m³ + 15% of reading at values between 0 and 50 μg/m³).
- Carbon dioxide (accuracy 50 ppm + 3% of reading at values between 400 and 2000 ppm).
- Carbon monoxide (accuracy 1 ppm at values between 0 and 10 ppm).
- Ozone (accuracy 10 ppb at values between 0 and 100 ppb).
- Nitrogen dioxide (accuracy 20 ppb at values between 0 and 100 ppb).
- Total VOCs (accuracy 20 μg/m³ + 20% of reading at values between 150 and 2000 μg/m³).
- Formaldehyde (accuracy 20 ppb at values between 0 and 100 ppb).

Monitor density is minimum one per floor or one every 325 m² [3,500 ft²], whichever is more stringent. Monitors are sited at locations compliant with the following requirements:
- 1.1-1.7 m [3.6-5.6 ft] above the finished floor at locations where occupants would typically be seated or standing.
- Sampling points must be at least 1 m [3.3 ft] away from doors, windows and air supply/exhaust outlets.

Measurements are taken at intervals of no longer than 10 minutes for particulate matter and carbon dioxide and no longer than one hour for other pollutants.

Data are analyzed for regularly occupied hours (e.g., median, mean, 75^th, 95^th percentile) and submitted annually through WELL Online.
Monitors are recalibrated or replaced annually, with documentation attesting to their calibration or replacement submitted annually through WELL Online.

Part 2

Promote Air Quality Awareness (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document, Educational Materials, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

Note: Projects may only receive points for this part if Part 1: Implement Indoor Air Monitors is also achieved.

Environmental measures display:

Real-time display of air pollutants measured in Part 1: Implement Indoor Air Monitors is made available to occupants through one of the following:

At least one display is prominently positioned at a height of 1.1–1.7 m [3.6–5.6 ft] per 930 m² [10,000 ft²] of regularly occupied space.^[88]
Required data are hosted on a website or phone application accessible to occupants. At least one visible sign is positioned per 930 m² [10,000 ft²] of regularly occupied space indicating where the data may be accessed.

Air quality education:

At least two of the following requirements are met:

A digital or physical library is provided to occupants that includes at least two resources outlining the impact of indoor air quality on human health as part of the resource library required through Feature C01: Health and Wellness Awareness.
A labeling system (e.g., colors or symbols) is clearly displayed next to each monitor screen used for air quality monitoring or at the relevant website. Information about health effects is shown in relation to a range of concentrations of air pollutants monitored in Part 1: Implement Indoor Air Monitors. An explanation of the labeling system is provided.
Paper or digital communication that highlights the importance of indoor air quality for human health, including practical tips for how to improve indoor air quality, is issued at least every quarter.
Educational training led by an air quality expert is held at least once per year and covers aspects of health and wellness covered in the WELL Air concept, including interpretation of data collected and practical tips for how to improve indoor air quality.

Note:Education must be culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate. Education can come in the form of trainings, brochures, videos, posters, pamphlets, newsletters and/or other written or online information. If the requirements of Part 2: Air Quality Education are met through the provision of educational materials then these can be counted toward Part 2: Promote Health and Wellness Education in Feature C01: Health and Wellness Awareness.

Trainings must include culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate education. Trainings may be provided on-site, off-site or online; in group or individual settings; and through vendors, on-site staff, health insurance plans or programs, community groups or other qualified practitioners.